The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (‘AMWU’) is conducting regular visits to dealership and automotive repairers businesses to meet workers during lunch meal breaks to discuss the advantages of purchasing membership and its benefits.

Applicable only to businesses covered by the STATE system - i.e. those businesses who are a non-constitutional corporation such as a sole trader, partnership or some forms of trusts.

The Western Australian Industrial Relations’ Commission issued their decision today in the WA State Wage Case, awarding an increase of $13.00 per week to all minimum rates of pay under Western Australian State Awards. The State Minimum Wage was also increased by $13.00 per week, or 34 cents per hour to a new rate of pay of $692.90 per week, or $18.23 per hour.

The MTA WA understands the AMWU; the union that represents workers is currently on a recruitment membership drive.

Right of Entry Notices has not been given to businesses to gain entry onto premises to discuss union membership; therefore they are not allowed to meet with your workers. The notice to gain entry must be sent to your business, at least 24 hours prior to meeting with your workers, during breaks.

On 31st May 2016, the Fair Work Commission issued their decision for the Annual Wage Review, awarding an increase of 2.4% to all minimum rates of pay under the Federal Modern Awards. The National Minimum Wage was also increased by 2.4% (or $15.80 per week or 41 cents per hour) to a new figure of $672.70 per week, or $17.70 per hour.

The Federal Government has effectively snubbed its nose at the automotive industry by announcing today that it intends to introduce changes to the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989, which will come into effect from 2018.

The Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission in its decision of 18th August 2015 has varied the Vehicle Manufacturing, Repair, Services and Retail Award 2010 effective from 15th October 2015 by inserting a new clause for accident pay.

Members should be aware of this new clause, as the previous clause for accident pay expired on 31st December 2014.

MTA WA and other Motor Trade Associations nationally are preparing a response to the ACTU and AMWU Vehicle Division’s claims to vary the existing conditions for casual and part-time employees covered by modern awards. These claims apply to the Vehicle Manufacturing, Repair, Services and Retail Award 2010 (the VMRSR Award), the primary modern award in the general vehicle industry.